There have always been LGBTQ+ characters throughout the history of film. Of course, it’s a matter of how well those LGBTQ+ characters are represented. LGBTQ+ movies in the 2000s, for instance, pushed forward to the mainstream with critical and commercial successes like Brokeback Mountain and Milk. Eventually, LGBTQ+ movies in the 2010s soared with more diverse and nuanced depictions of queerness, due in large part to ongoing discourse of representation and inclusion. Indeed, LGBTQ+ writers, directors, and creators carved spaces for themselves to tell their stories.
Early LGBTQ+ representation on the small screen, like film, has similarly been a mixed bag. From the overly stereotypical portrayal of gay men in Will & Grace to Ugly Betty’s inability to outwardly address its characters’ queerness, early attempts just seemed to miss the mark. And if a show were explicitly queer, like Queer as Folk or The L Word, they were considered niche. Now, representation on television has evolved, going deeper in to the LGBTQ+ experience and daring to represent onscreen the previously unseen. Looking was, for example, unashamedly gay and sexy; and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, one of the best workplace TV comedies of all time, feature two queer characters of color in its main cast. Yes, from teen dramas to historical fiction, LGBTQ+ representation, now, is rampant across TV. Here’s a list that comprises the best LGBTQ+ TV series that you should be watching.
6 Young Royals
This Swedish teen drama follows the young Prince Wilhelm and his adventures at a fictional boarding school, including his budding romance with a fellow student. The Netflix show depicts teenage life, albeit not as down to earth as some other shows due to the high society setting, and the high stakes of falling in love with someone who doesn’t fit the perfect ideal that is expected — a theme that resonates heavily with many in the community. The first season was adored by critics and with a second season slated for this summer, it’s the perfect time to catch up and get swept up in the world of Young Royals.
5 It’s a Sin
Russell T. Davies’ critically acclaimed and heartbreaking miniseries was released in 2021, and with many awards already attached to its name, with more nominations pending, it’s an incredible deep-dive into the reality of the HIV/AIDS epidemic of the 1980s. The story takes place in London and, briefly, New York, and showcases the generally negative attitude towards gay men in particular in this era. Starring famous faces such as Olly Alexander of Years & Years fame, Stephen Fry, and even Neil Patrick Harris, viewers witness the highs and lows of a group of friends living through this terrifying era — and, what’s more, gives clues as to why this very real issue was ignored for so long.
The heart-warming moments make the tragedy all the more painful, and the ending feels earth-shattering by the time all is revealed. Of course, that doesn’t make It’s a Sin any less watchable — it only makes it even more important. With a majority-LGBTQ+ cast, this show is excellent at representing the reality of being different in a time when the whole community was demonized, making the inclusion of older LGBTQ+ actors even more poignant.
4 Sex Education
Netflix
One of the giants associated with LGBTQ+ media, Sex Education is a Netflix original with heaps of charm and just as much representation. Eric, portrayed by the fabulous Ncuti Gatwa, is a particular fan favorite on the show, from his witty comebacks to his acceptance of his cultural identity and how that interacts with his sexual identity. Moreover, all the characters go through various journeys of accepting their sexualities, including an asexual character, something that is extremely rare even within exclusively LGBTQ+ media. Asa Butterfield plays the awkwardly charming protagonist, helping his peers come to terms with who they are, while struggling with his own identity along the way. This series is jam-packed with moments that will leave you wanting more, and the faithful representation of the entire spectrum of sexualities will cement it in any viewers’ heart.
3 Dickinson
Hailee Steinfeld is Emily Dickinson in this Apple TV original, which dives into the constraints of society during the 19th century. With parts of the plot taken from Dickinson’s real letters, this show is important as it shows that LGBTQ+ people aren’t a new thing: they’ve always been around, even when it has seemed impossible. The tension of forbidden love makes the romantic payoff even more satisfying when it happens, and never feels gimmicky or forced. The on-screen relationship between Emily and the seemingly unattainable Susan Gilbert (portrayed by Ella Hunt) is beautiful and makes Dickinson a worthwhile watch, even if you aren’t specifically interested in the works of Emily Dickinson.
2 Feel Good
Mae Martin wrote and starred in this semi-autobiographical British romantic comedy. Feel Good focuses on the relationship between our main character, Mae, and George, a girl who has never been in a relationship with someone who isn’t a man. Through a heartwarming series of events, viewers experience the tumultuous experience of being at different stages in realizing sexuality, and how the tension builds and falls away. Mae also struggles with gender identity, coming out as nonbinary during the second season and struggling with how that changes the relationship. Feel Good is a fantastic look into falling in love with someone else while being unsure of yourself, and should definitely be on your watch list.
1 Euphoria
HBO
Sam Levinson’s Euphoria is perhaps the most talked about TV show right now, and for good reason. The beautifully complex relationship between Rue and Jules, portrayed by Zendaya and Hunter Schafer, respectively, is at the heart of what makes this show so special. A transgender main character is a rarity, even today, and having a transgender character portrayed by a transgender actress is sadly even rarer. In Euphoria, this fact is not only shown deliberately, but it’s also celebrated. Throughout the darker moments of the show, when Zendaya’s Rue is struggling with addiction and mental health issues, we still have the Centre of Sapphic love to ground viewers and build back some hope. Season 2 is currently airing on HBO Max, with critically acclaimed and Emmy award-winning season 1 also available on the streaming service — and is not to be missed.
